Watches Can Be Fashion Statements, Says This Marketing Executive
May Yao, a marathon enthusiast and marketing executive at the Lucerne Group, talks about signature accessories.
What keeps you busy?
Two years ago, I graduated with an Arts Management degree from the Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore. I now help with the family business handling Baccarat Crystal and Steinway&Sons. Even though I’ve entered the retail industry, I am still immersed in the arts. The level of craftsmanship that goes into shaping and carving the crystal and pianos are incredible. Precision is key in making these quality products.
What else are you into?
I like to exercise so I take spinning and boxing classes. Right now, my family is into running marathons. We’ve done two full marathons together so far and we’re doing another one in Tokyo.
How would you define luxury?
Luxury can be tangible or intangible but with an emotional and sentimental value to the person.
Pandora Wish rings, Greenbelt 5, 509.1718.
How do you accessorize?
I love wearing watches and jewelry. I have a new obsession with my wishbone ring that I bought at Pandora recently. It’s very simple but it makes me happy. I wear it everywhere I go. What's your idea of a timeless look? When you can mix and match the same pieces throughout the years. I like accenting an outfit with jewelry or a bag.
The best way to track the time?
Definitely a watch. Growing up in a family involved in the watch industry has taught me to manage my time wisely—my family does not like being late. The practice of wearing a watch every day has really disciplined me to plan out my day and use my time efficiently. I’ve also been training for marathons, so I always wear a watch to track my progress.
How many watches do you own?
Eight. I sometimes like borrowing my dad’s watches, like his Panerai, because they have large faces.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch, Bonifacio High Street Central, 556.9824.
Which one is your favorite?
My favorite is the Rolex I got as my graduation gift. It has a purple face, which is my favorite color. Plus there’s an engraved message at the back from my parents. This reminds me how my parents worked hard and cared for me so much.
How do you wear them?
When I choose my watches, I want them to have different characteristics and complement my choice of clothes. I change watches for different occasions. A watch is not just a gadget that tells time, to me it’s also a fashion statement. Just as clothes reflect one’s personality, watches may say something about a person.
This story was originally published in the April 2018 issue of Town&Country Philippines.
